Meet Our Staff

Who We Are

Springfield Office

Administration

Denise Hyater-Lindenmuth
(Executive Director)

Denise is indeed passionate about her work and she brings over 20 years of operational management, fundraising, strategic communications and partnership development experience to the table. As a thought leader and consultant in non-profit and for-profit enterprises, she is skilled and highly valued for her innovative initiatives that resulted in exceptional team engagement, profits, and savings. “First and foremost, as a non-profit leader I understood the importance of two things: maintaining communication and transparency with all stakeholders and, valuing partnerships beyond transactions.”

Over her career, Denise has raised more than $70 million dollars, led over 100 staff, mentored many, and rallied thousands of volunteers to advocate organizational missions.

Her early body of work includes creating and directing some of most controversial and talked about campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness and the “Don’t Try. We Comply” tobacco ID retail campaign. She directed national advocacy and pharmaceutical campaigns targeting diabetes and insulin awareness, low dose birth control, and celebrity endorsed hormone replacement therapies. She also created one the first needle exchange programs in the District of Columbia, “Prevention Works, ” that led to her national and international recognition in HIV/AIDS prevention and lectures in Europe and Russia with the Albert Schweitzer Institute, USAID and the Clinton Administration’s Office of HIV/AIDS Prevention.

Under her leadership as the Executive Director of the National Capital Region for the American Cancer Society, the Society launched its first breast cancer walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and hosted hundreds of its signature Relay for Life events in the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Denise is a 5th generation Washingtonian. She received her Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University focusing on finance; her Master of Science in Health Education/Public Health from Trinity Washington University; and, her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in Marketing/Public Relations. She is moderately conversational in Spanish and enjoys learning French and Portuguese languages.

Katy Hollis (Administrative Assistant)

Katy Hollis is the administrative assistant at BIS. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Anthropology from Albion College. Katy has been involved with BIS since 2010 as a client and as a volunteer with the Speaker’s Bureau. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2015.

Aleena Gardezi (Manager, Development, Marketing, & Advocacy)

Aleena Gardezi is the Development, Marketing, & Advocacy Manager at BIS. She graduated from George Mason University as a English major. She has over 10 years of marketing, journalism, pr, and digital media experience.

Adult Services

Lisa McCarthy (Director of Programs)

Lisa McCarthy, MA, NCC, CBIST is the Director of Programs. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University, an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Shenandoah University and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 1999.

NKenya Lassiter (Program Director, Adult Case Management Services)

NKenya Lassiter, MA, CRC, CBIS currently is the Program Director of Adult Case Management Services at Brain Injury Services. She has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. NKenya has been employed at BIS since 2002 and has worked in the field and with persons with various disabilities since 2000.

Sara Aly, CBIS, MSW (Case Manager)

Sara Aly, CBIS, MSW is a Bilingual Adult Case Manager III at Brain Injury Services. She received her Bachelor degree in Social Work from her home country Egypt and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University. She began her experience with Brain Injury Services as an intern during her graduate program. Sara is a certified Wellness and Recovery Coach and facilitates a variety of wellness workshops that empower survivors of brain injury and their caregivers in developing a personalized wellness plan that can help them in improving the quality of their life. She is also a certified interpreter in health and community settings and currently a supervise in social work and working towards her LCSW. She has been employed at BIS since 2011.

Gail Bothwell (Senior Specialist Case Manager)

Gail Bothwell, CCM, CBIS is a Certified Case Manager with more than 20 years experience specializing in support for survivors of brain injury and their family members. She has practiced in rehabilitation settings for inpatient acute, subacute, residential, day treatment, outpatient and long term care settings. She provides community Case Management services for survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injury in the northern Virginia area, and has been employed with Brain Injury Services, Inc. since 2005.

Claire Callison-Aub (Case Manager)

Claire Callison-Aub, MSW, CBIS is an Adult Case Manager. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and a Master’s in Social Work from George Mason University. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since August 2009.

Joy Koeppen (Licensed Clinical Therapist)

Joy Koeppen, LCSW, CBIS is the Licensed Clinical Therapist at BIS. Joy’s passion for working with individuals with disabilities and their families began when she worked for Brain Injury Services as a Case Manager from 2000-2003. Joy spent her years away from BIS serving on the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board, running a private mental health practice, working at a psychiatric hospital and working for a local school system.

Natascha Grant (Adult Case Manager)

Natascha Grant, MA, CRC, CBIS, is an Adult Case Manager. She holds Undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Fayetteville State University and a Masters degree in Rehabilitiation Counseling with a concentration in TBI from George Washington University. Her experience began with Brain Injury Services as an intern. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2014.

Paula Levin-Alcorn (Case Manager)

Paula Levin-Alcorn, MSW, LCSW is an Adult Case Manager. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Maryland. Paula was a case manager at BIS from 1996 to 2001 and is delighted to be back.

Sarah Pickford, MS, OTR/L is an Assistive Technology and Cognitive Rehabilitation Specialist helping to initiate the BIS Assistive Technology Program. While obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design from North Carolina State University she studied product design, human factors/ergonomics, aesthetic appeal, and universal design principles. She also earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University and is licensed in the state of Virginia. She draws knowledge and skills from both of these fields as she helps clients find assistive technology that supports their ability to engage in the activities they find meaningful. Sarah has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2012.

Iva Ward (Case Manager)

Iva Ward, MSW received her Bachelors of Social Work and Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She began working with survivors of brain injury during her undergraduate studies. She has been employed with Brain Injury Services since June 2015.

Child and Adolescent Services

Amy Tsekov (Program Manager, Children and Adolescent Services)

​Amy Tsekov, MSW is the Program Manager of the Child and Adolescent Program. ​She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from City College of New York and Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University of New York. Amy has experiences working with various populations especially children with special needs and adult mental health. Amy also had exposure to the legal system with the revolving door effect and struggles of homelessness and substance abuse. As an employee of BIS, she is happy to return to work with the population she is most passionate about- children and families. She looks forward to help families navigate the system to ensure BIS consumers are connected to the right resources.

Alexis Griffen, MSW (Pediatric Case Manager)

Alexis Griffen, MSW is a Pediatric Transitional Case Manager. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with a military concentration from Norfolk State University. She has a wealth of experience working in the neurology department at a children’s hospital during her graduate studies. Alexis provides an environment of compassion and support to help children and families overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive.

Katie Nedelcovych, M.Ed, MSW (Pediatric Case Manager)

Katie Nedelcovych, M.Ed., MSW is a Pediatric Case Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Art/Art History from the College of William and Mary, her Master of Elementary Education from the University of Arizona, and her Master in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Katie has experience working with children and families as a former teacher and began working with survivors of brain injuries during her graduate studies at VCU. Katie is currently a supervisee in social work as she works towards her LCSW in Virginia.

Community Outreach & Volunteer Programs

Michelle Thyen (Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement)

Michelle Thyen, CVA is the Director of Community Engagement. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Loyola College in Maryland and a Graduate Certification from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also obtained her CVA, Certification in Volunteer Administration. She has been employed with Brain Injury Services since 2002.

Vocational Specialists

Bob Cerminaro (Vocational Specialist)

Robert Cerminaro is a Vocational Specialist in the Vocational Program at B.I.S. He received a Bachelors Of Science degree in Individual & Family Studies from Penn State University. Bob is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Belmont Bay, Virginia. In his leisure time, he enjoys watching 'Football', listening to 'Classic Rock' music, and walking his english bulldog 'Miles'.

Samuel Knight (Vocational Specialist)

Samuel Knight is a Vocational Specialist in the Vocational Program. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Tulane University. He has been employed at Brain Injury Services since October 2015.

ADAPT Clubhouse

Kimberlee Baugh (Clubhouse Manager)

Kimberlee Baugh, CBIS is the Clubhouse Manager at the ADAPT Clubhouse. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Kimberlee has been employed by Brain Injury Services since August 2011.

Dyanna Citizen (Unit Coordinator)

Dyanna Citizen, MA is a Unit Coordinator at the ADAPT Clubhouse. She has a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University. Dyanna also has experience working with survivors of domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, and brain injuries. Dyanna has been employed at Brain Injury Services since November 2015.

Fredericksburg Office

Community Services

Zachary Daniel (Program Manager)

Zachary Daniel, CBIS is the Manager of the Brain Injury Services of Fredericksburg office. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Washington University. He has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2008.

Monica Klock (Community Coordinator)

Monica Klock is the Community Coordinator for the Brain Injury Services of Fredericksburg office. Monica served 5 years as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army prior to attending college. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from James Madison University and a Master of Science degree in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University.

Adult Services

Markita Gilbert (Case Manager)

Markita Gilbert, MS, CBIS is the Fredericksburg area Case Manager. She has a Master of Science degree in Human Services with a Specialization in Counseling from Capella University. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2007.

Pediatric Case Management

Taryn Goodman, MA, QMHP (Pediatric Case Manager)

Taryn received her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with a focus on social justice issues from Chatham College for Women located in Pittsburgh, PA. Not feeling fully satisfied with her understanding of the human experience, she decided to return to Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her second Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Anthropology. Most recently, Taryn has completed her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington D.C. Taryn prides herself on her ability to assist individuals with finding their voice and promoting self-advocacy.

Leesburg Office

Julianne Berg (Case Manager)

Julianne Berg, MSW, CBIS is an Adult Case Manager serving Loudoun County. She received her Bachelor’s degree in social work from George Mason University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has specialized in working with people with disabilities since 1993. She joined Brain Injury Services in 2011.

Prince William Office

Jennifer Ardis (Case Manager)

Jennifer Ardis, MSW, CBIS is an Adult Case Manager for Prince William and Fauquier counties and conducts intakes for both counties as well. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree for the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Master’s of Social Work degree from George Mason University. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2006.

James Parker (Case Manager)

James Parker, MSW, is an Adult Case Manager at Brain Injury Services for Prince William County, as well as select areas in Fairfax County. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia and his Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University. James has been employed with Brain Injury Services since 2015.

Winchester Office

Amanda Holsinger-Jenkins (Case Manager)

Amanda Holsinger-Jenkins, MPA is an Adult Case Manager in Winchester. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration. She joined Brain Injury Services in 2016.

Our Supporters

Privacy Policy

What Information Do We Collect?
When you visit our website you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and website use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our website.

Personal Information You Choose to Provide
We may request that you voluntarily supply us with personal information, including your email address, postal address, home or work telephone number and other personal information for such purposes as correspondence, placing an order, requesting an estimate, or participating in online surveys.
If you choose to correspond with us through email, we may retain the content of your email messages together with your email address and our responses. We provide the same protections for these electronic communications that we employ in the maintenance of information received by mail and telephone.

Website Use Information
Similar to other websites, our site may utilize a standard technology called "cookies" (see explanation below, "What Are Cookies?") and web server logs to collect information about how our website is used. Information gathered through cookies and server logs may include the date and time of visits, the pages viewed, time spent at our website, and the sites visited just before and just after ours. This information is collected on an aggregate basis. None of this information is associated with you as an individual.

How Do We Use the Information That You Provide to Us?
Broadly speaking, we use personal information for purposes of administering our business activities, providing service and support and making available other products and services to our customers and prospective customers. Occasionally, we may also use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our website, new services and special offers we think you will find valuable. The lists used to send you product and service offers are developed and managed under our traditional standards designed to safeguard the security and privacy of all personal information provided by our users. You may at any time to notify us of your desire not to receive these offers.

What Are Cookies?
Cookies are a feature of web browser software that allows web servers to recognize the computer used to access a website. Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored by a user's web browser on the user's hard drive. Cookies can remember what information a user accesses on one web page to simplify subsequent interactions with that website by the same user or to use the information to streamline the user's transactions on related web pages. This makes it easier for a user to move from web page to web page and to complete commercial transactions over the Internet. Cookies should make your online experience easier and more personalized.

How Do We Use Information Collected From Cookies?
We use website browser software tools such as cookies and web server logs to gather information about our website users' browsing activities, in order to constantly improve our website and better serve our users. This information assists us to design and arrange our web pages in the most user-friendly manner and to continually improve our website to better meet the needs of our users and prospective users.
Cookies help us collect important business and technical statistics. The information in the cookies lets us trace the paths followed by users to our website as they move from one page to another. Web server logs allow us to count how many people visit our website and evaluate our website's visitor capacity. We do not use these technologies to capture your individual email address or any personally identifying information about you.

Notice of New Services and Changes
Occasionally, we may use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our website, new services and special offers we think you will find valuable. As a user of our website, you will be given the opportunity to notify us of your desire not to receive these offers by clicking on a response box when you receive such an offer or by sending us an email request.

How Do We Secure Information Transmissions?
When you send confidential personal information to us on our website, a secure server software which we have licensed encrypts all information you input before it is sent to us. The information is scrambled en route and decoded once it reaches our website.
Other email that you may send to us may not be secure unless we advise you that security measures will be in place prior to your transmitting the information. For that reason, we ask that you do not send confidential information such as Social Security, credit card, or account numbers to us through an unsecured email.

How Do We Protect Your Information?
Information Security -- We utilize encryption/security software to safeguard the confidentiality of personal information we collect from unauthorized access or disclosure and accidental loss, alteration or destruction.
Evaluation of Information Protection Practices -- Periodically, our operations and business practices are reviewed for compliance with organization policies and procedures governing the security, confidentiality and quality of our information.
Employee Access, Training and Expectations -- Our organization values, ethical standards, policies and practices are committed to the protection of user information. In general, our business practices limit employee access to confidential information, and limit the use and disclosure of such information to authorized persons, processes and transactions.

How Can You Access and Correct Your Information?
You may request access to all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain in our database by emailing us using the contact form provided to you within the site structure of our website.

Do We Disclose Information to Outside Parties?
We may provide aggregate information about our customers, sales, website traffic patterns and related website information to our affiliates or reputable third parties, but this information will not include personally identifying data, except as otherwise provided in this privacy policy.

What About Legally Compelled Disclosure of Information?
We may disclose information when legally compelled to do so, in other words, when we, in good faith, believe that the law requires it or for the protection of our legal rights.

Permission to Use of Materials
The right to download and store or output the materials in our website is granted for the user's personal use only, and materials may not be reproduced in any edited form. Any other reproduction, transmission, performance, display or editing of these materials by any means mechanical or electronic without our express written permission is strictly prohibited. Users wishing to obtain permission to reprint or reproduce any materials appearing on this site may contact us directly.

Terms & Conditions

Donation Refund Policy

We are grateful for your donation and support of our organization. If you have made an error in making your donation or change your mind about contributing to our organization please contact us. Refunds are returned using the original method of payment. If you made your donation by credit card, your refund will be credited to that same credit card.

Automated Recurring Donation Cancellation

Ongoing support is important to enabling projects to continue their work, so we encourage donors to continue to contribute to projects over time. But if you must cancel your recurring donation, please notify us.